Mighty Montreal Canadiens Immitate Mickey Mouse

*Face palm, face palm, face palm* and repeat.

Man, we didn't know it at the time, or some may have, but who would have thought Pierre Turgeon dropping the spine shivering torch at the opening (or was it the closing of the Forum? I forget) of the Bell Center would be symbolic of how hard the Montreal Canadiens have fallen.

The recent turmoil hitting the Habs has to be among the most serious I've seen in any sport; let alone a premier brand like the Habs.

This is one disjointed and incoherent mess.

The only ghosts visiting the team these days is the one Patrick Roy left behind. Since that day, it's been nothing but mediocrity with this team. Think of it, the two lasting impressions this team has left is the infamous Roy meltdown and sending Michael Cammalleri home after the second period because of a trade. Not standard protocol in hockey.

Since then, the organization seems to have become experts in trading from a position of weakness.



That year was the start of the Red Wings dynasty by the way.

***

The team is poorly run with little standards. Simple as that.

Once upon a time....once upon a time this was the greatest of all hockey organizations.

Now.

Detroit Lions north.

Well, up until this year.  The Lions are now legit contenders for the Super Bowl next year!

Ok. Not quite as bad as the Lions. The team has won exactly ONE playoff game since 1958. That, my friends, is bad.

Oakland Raiders?

Anyway.

It's ironic the team unloaded two players - Jaroslav Halak and Michael Cammalleri that have given the team and its fans some of its best moments in recent memory.

It's ok. The team still has its memories. Like Rome I suppose.





I can't find the full ceremony.

Radar Love

Some history on the Pine Tree, Mid-Canada and Dew Line radar systems collectively known as Early-Warning Radars constructed and conducted jointly by the United States and Canada during the Cold War.

With Proper Permission Killing Is Right

Just heard an interesting line on The Mentalist: "...Because killing someone without government permission is wrong."

Digest that for a second.

...without government permission?

I thought murder is murder. Somehow it's "right" if the state does it?

Unemployment Statistics

U.S. unemployment: 8.5%.
Quebec: 8.7%.
Canada: 7.5%

America is freaking out. Quebec is so "been there, done that."

Of Tebow, Larkin And The Habs

What time is it?

It's Teeeeeeebow time!

Man, all I heard all week was how Tebow can't throw spirals, that teams have him figured out now, that he's not a "real" NFL QB. Blah, blah.

All I know is he's got game. Somehow.

What he lacks in blessed Brees or Brady or Rodgers accuracy and quality he makes up with all sorts of intangibles. He can always learn, I reckon, to throw if they work on him.

Just when the world was hopping off Tebow's ark he passes for 316 yards including - BANG! - a vicious 80 yard pass on the very first play in OT to knock out the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers. Now you can hear his PR director telling people, "Two per species folks...Those who never got off  can stay. The rest...Hope you can swim."

Next week it may come to an end simply because the New England Patriots are a superiour football team. 

***

Sometimes when someone is unorthodox we simply can't compute into our minds it can be a real deal since we can't account for it in whatever models we create. From time to time, an athlete comes along that is not meant to make any sense. At which point, you just have to go with the flow.

***

Tebow got me thinking of how professional scouts, commentators and coaches etc. try and rationalize "their guy." You hear a lot about all sorts of metrics that sway so much and are applied so selectively makes you wonder about whether people are full of shit.

***

Saw that Barry Larkin was inducted into the Hall. Ok. So, when's Alan Trammell going in? Larkin's numbers look a little better but are they a significant improvement to enough to keep Trammell out?

Hey, hey relax. I don't want this turning into a Reds-Tigers brawl.

***

Quick word on the Montreal Canadiens. Heard the GM Pierre Gauthier sorta apologize for hiring Randy Cunneyworth. For shame. Not only that, they don't even have the balls to stand by their decision. Man, just give him the chance to, you know, learn the language.

If the Habs mean so much to nationalists who feel it's natural to merge politics with sport, then why didn't they get together to buy the team when it went up for sale twice?  It's not, afterall, a public institution.

The silence is deafening when you don't put your money where your mouth is, huh?

Fastest Runner Debate

Obviously, we're getting a little technical here. It's been understood that the "fastest man alive" tag belonged to the winner of the 100 metre dash.

I don't know if this position is going to have legs (pun noted), but when Bob Costas (and he wasn't the only one just the biggest name with the biggest stage) said it, it came off as though because an American didn't win, it was time to claim the 200m was the better distance to determine who was fastest.

They tried to change the game in mid-flight. I wasn't buying.

No doubt, we've seen impressive 200 and 400 meter runs but it only became an issue in 1996 now it's back to being understood the 100m is king.

They even made a silly event out of it. An event Donovan Bailey won over Michael Johnson; Johnson injury notwithstanding.

Until they can conclusively prove it,  Bailey was and Usain Bolt is the fastest man alive.

I would love to see a one meter dash. Either way, I know I'm not fastest.

***

Why no fuss over the 100m swim? Fastest swimmer alive doesn't quite catch you as fastest runner I reckon?

America In The Original

High five to SE.

Link to Tom Mullen here:

"Contrary to Rick Santorum’s assertion that no society based upon radical individualism has ever succeeded, the libertarian, radical individualist principles upon which the United States was founded were precisely why it succeeded so spectacularly. It was libertarianism that made America different from any society before or since – what made it the “shining city on the hill” as Santorum calls it. It was the collectivist conservative philosophy that helped bring it down – with a lot of help from a third philosophical movement called Progressivism. Neither more conservatism nor more progressivism – nor any combination of the two – can solve the problems that America faces today. If Americans want to see liberty and prosperity restored in the United States, then restoring libertarianism is their only hope."

This is certainly unique to the USA. Although, Republican Rome reads eerily close to American history. It began to falter once the empire consolidated; something Cicero (a conservative) lamented.

Question

Who do you like or dislike more? An under achiever or over achiever?

An under acheiver can be cute on some level...with the right script.

The Dark Ages Contained Light

Just a couple of things to keep in mind recounting the "Top 10 Reasons The Dark Ages Were Not Dark."

I like 9,8 and 3.

#9 because of this quote:

"Ronald Numbers (professor at Cambridge University) has said: ‘Notions such as: “the rise of Christianity killed off ancient science”, “the medieval Christian Church suppressed the growth of the natural sciences”, “the medieval Christians thought that the world was flat”, and “the Church prohibited autopsies and dissections during the Middle Ages” [are] examples of widely popular myths that still pass as historical truth, even though they are not supported by historical research."

#8 because the Carolingians are under appreciated in the grand scheme of European history.

Anyway. During a lecture (one of few interesting lectures. Amazing what passion could inject into what really is a blah, blah, blah session. Listen, copy, write the exam!) my European history professor did a good job of trying to contextualize the discipline. In explaining Christianity's dominance across the entire continent he explained that Europeans didn't view themselves as English, German, Spanish etc but as Christians. "I'm John the Christian" was normal. If you would have said "John from England" it would not have been understood.

Amazing, no?

#3 because it touces on the unintended conequences of nature and man's actions. Notice: Pre-industrialization there was hotter temperatures?

One, is it deals with the earlier part of what is labelled as the 'Dark Ages.'

Second, the conversation thread is interesting.

Third, never heard this joke before:

Why were the early middle ages of history called the dark ages?
Because there were so many knights!

Which inspired me to come up with:

Why the the middle-ages called dark?
No lightbulbs!

What?

Come on!

***

There are parts during the years generally accepted to be "dark" (476AD (Fall of Rome)-1304 (birth of Petrarch), but overall, the M-Ages was a fascinating reforming of Western civilization filled with ideas and concepts that laid the foundation for the modern era.

Canadiana With The Commentator

'You can't do that on television' was a sketch show we used to watch after school. It's funny how something that was once dorky is now classic. I seem to recall an episode of Newsradio paying homage to the "green slime" and "water" bit. Obviously this came by way, I reckon, of Dave Foley and probably Phil Hartman who are/were Canadian. In this video, Alanis Morissette pre-super stardom makes an appearance on the show.

***

The Simpsons made quite a few references to Canada over the years. Canadian connections to the show here at Simpsons, eh?



If I'm not mistaken, I believe Matt Groening has some Canadian in him. Seriously. Saskatchewan I think. He may have mentioned it when the show came to Place des Arts years ago. Anyway, the show did employ a couple of Canadian hoser-writers.

Yes, believe it or not, we watched quite a bit of curling. As my buddy once remarked on the school bus, "once you watch one end, you're hooked." Find me a country that dominates a sport like Canada does curling.

Ga'hed.

Love 'Canadian Ned' who likely comes from B.C.

Movie Partnerships I'd Like To See

Movie hook ups I'd like to see: Steve Carel and/or Will Ferrell in a Christopher Guest movie. Wes Anderson may be a stretch.

Friday Night Music

Introducing Tom Ze.

Yeah, baby!

In The Wink Of An Eye

I have to be careful. This blog can easily turn into a blog talking about the "Glory days."

Isn't this a fantastic version of Springteen's classic?

Tales Of The Commentator

Years ago my cousin (may he rest in peace) invited me to supper with some people. I was reluctant but it was in Little Italy in one of the, at the time, best Italian restaurants and since we were in the habit of frequenting a cafe nearby before hitting town, I went along.

His friend was (still is) a cinema mogul who owned several mega-theaters in town. A business his father started years before.

I sat quietly listening, and observing the conversation around me. Actually, it was one-way in the manner of an inflated ego dictating the content of our discussion in a  paternalistic tone.

After a while, he discovered I was in banking and graciously acknowledged my presence and asked me a financial question.

Well, financial if you sufficiently stretched the term.

It basically amounted to money laundering. I laughed my ass off inside. Me? Moi? A lowly bank teller at a trust company cleaning cash? It was to laugh. I could barely balance my wicket at the end of the day I was so flippant.

He asked me if I could do it. I don't remember the context or if he really meant it but I told him I don't think my manager would have been receptive to the idea. He responded with a curt, "then you're no good to me."

Nice.

I wanted to tell the guy, "hey, why all this arrogance? Because you're a millionaire and own a few cinemas? It's not like you started the business...at some point you'd figure that would count for some humility."

As if that wasn't enough,  it became clear I wasn't going to have risotto as dorkboy spoke on our behalf. "Bring some this and bring some that." For us, you know, commoners. He continued, "...and for me...."

Nice.

Paternalistic and tyrannical. Just like how I like 'em.

My cousin observed my irritation as I complained under my breath "I don't like calamari" to which he replied, "he's paying."

So why am I telling such a horrible tale?

Last night, as I ate supper, I watched my rather precocious six year-old daughter waste my wife in Monopoly Jr. She was taking to creating a monopoly quite well. As I chanted, "you go girl" I saw a little Mr. Burns before my eyes. It teared me up.

Despite her dominance, she managed to keep her sense of humanity and even displayed humility.  She said, "It's ok, mommy. I'll give you money. We'll share everything."

Wow. Uncoerced socialism. Now that's cool!

Anyway. I was impressed by how she behaved. She's a good kid. Somehow, it brought me back to the story I told earlier.

I guess the moral of this post is, be careful how you conduct yourself. You just might stick in someone's memory for the wrong reasons. And always, always, always be gracious in victory and defeat. Always.

Real Third Party Option?

I discussed earlier about Canada not having a "libertatian principled or leaning" candidate. That wasn't entirely true. Of course, we have sites like Le Quebecois Libre and new political entities like the Coalition pour l'avenir du Quebec. And then there's Maxime Bernier and the Quebec Freedom Network.

Of the three, Le QL is staunchly libertarian while the other two, while advocating similar positions on some issues, remain in the conservative perimeter.

I have to admit, I agree with large parts of his speech.

Excerpt (from link provided):

"As Quebecers, we now have a choice between three national projects. One rests exclusively on Quebec nationalism and leads to independence; another rests on a dominant Canadian nationalism and promotes a centralized type of federalism.

These two options only get support from a minority of Quebecers. Despite that, they are the two main choices that we have been offered for decades.

To these two options, we can add a third, which proposes a more balanced coexistence between our two national identities: that of a more autonomous Quebec in a united Canada. Although it is supported by a large majority of Quebecers, this option never managed to get to the top.
Why is that? Why is it that the two most extreme national perspectives, the perspective of the separatists on the one hand and of the centralizing federalists on the other hand, of René Lévesque and Pierre Elliott Trudeau, have been monopolizing our political debates for the past fifty years?

To understand what went on, I believe we have to set this debate within the larger context of political evolution in the 20th century.

There has been everywhere a significant growth of government. The role, size and powers of government have drastically increased. The portion of the overall economy controlled by government in most western countries has gone from
10% a century ago to more than 40% today.

Here at home, Canadian nationalism was reinforced by a centralizing and interventionist outlook on the role of the federal government. After the Second World War, federal politicians wanted to have their say on all sorts of social issues, despite the fact that these matters were the responsibility of the provinces in our Constitution.

Canada always had a relatively modest government, just like the United States. So, to distinguish Canada from the US, Canadian nationalists invented the myth of a social-democratic Canada, with its public health care system, its numerous social programs, its national norms and cultural protectionism.

Today, the federal government intervenes massively in areas of provincial jurisdictions, and in particular in health and education. Without Quebec nationalism acting as a counterweight, Canada would very likely be an even more centralized federation today..."

***

I agree with Bernier in that there's a growing segment of not just the Canadian population (myself included), but the American one as well - from what I observe - that are increasingly rejecting the two options he depicts.

Canadian Economy Beginning To Catch Cold?

You know the famous line, "America sneezes, Canada catches a cold." It's a cold, hard fact and reality of Canada's situation. Reminds me of a quote I read during a history of Latin America course I took in school and repeat once in a while, "Poor Mexico, so far from God, so close to the United States!" I forget who said. I think a Mexican priest.

In any event, you can easily replace Mexico with Canada.

Are the Americans proud of themselves for making the continent miserable? That's some good dancing though.

Anyway.

I heard on the news Canadian unemployment is on the rise while the U.S. has trended downwards. Unexpectedly of course. That was the story of my life in financial services, "unexpected by analysts."

Quebec in particular - as usual - experiences the highest rate going from 8% to 8.7% - well above the national average of 7.5%.

Yet, our provincial discourse continues to center around building and adding to the welfare state. According to my math, something is not adding up. Less people working and low productivity but let's create more departments? Oh, right. Transfer payments. Right.

Then we wonder why taxes across the board keep going up.

You know things are messed up when you have workers earning $28 000 complaining the government takes too much off their pay cheques.

It'll be interesting to watch the economy moving forward.

OSW Arrests Sheet

I was googling and gaagling around the web looking for some kind of report detailing the differences in arrest rap sheets between The Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street.

It was looking like I was going to have to manually cull all the information until I found biggovernment.com - which is a conservative website.

You can't really argue with the links and raps for OWS. I still want to see if any arrests connected to The Tea Party were made. If there aren't any, why? Were the police out "to get" OSW?

Grandma Dynamite Off The Hook

This is an example of why our overall thinking about marijuana and even the "war on drugs" is a waste at times.

Sounds like an expensive process to me. Glad the jury was smart about it. I wonder if the cops too knew but had no choice but to charge her?

Just rip the weeds out of the garden and move on. I know, simplistic, but still.

Useless Stat

From the Canadian sports network The Score- who I think aren't that bad at all...usually:

"10 of Phil Kessel's 23 goals have come against Canadian teams."

Seriously.

Is Cliff Claven digging this stuff up?

For this stat to be mildly interesting is if he scored all 23 for Canadian teams - and even then.

How I Ended Up In Private College

In this installment of "Get to know The Commentator" I tell you the (unedited. As in a first draft) tale of how I ended up in private prep school.

It's funny.

In a sad way.

I was, to keep the story tight, a bad student with intelligence - proof of the former in my grades and the latter through only the testimony of teachers. "He's smart but..."

It was that extra purple Dino vitamin that always did me in I tell you!

My gang of friends. We weren't literally a gang but we were a group of friends huddled together thanks to the geographical proximity of our school and homes. We could have been a gang I guess but we passed on it. A couple of our "spherical" friends whom we mostly played sports with along with the occasional hanging out at certain establishments went a certain route - think 'Goodfellas' - but we didn't. In fact, all the guys went on to have seriously good jobs. A third of us (a total of 10 guys) were terrible students while the rest were A1+.

Anyway.

I wasn't a good student. Just laying out there.

Well. That's not exactly true. I was a solid student until I hit High Grade 5 and then I decided to insist on being an idiot. It was all coasting from that point on. One of the "smart" buddies maintains I was lazy and couldn't be bothered or else I'd be as good as any smartie.

The habits I formed in high school followed me to CEGEP. In my first term at Dawson College I was a total mess.I had no clue what the fuck hit me. I was completely out of my element. Which was the lowest type of element. If youtube existed then, the camera that would have followed me around would have made me a star I was so lost.

Sure, I gave the appearance I was in control but I was dying inside. I played the part well.

One of the conditions of my staying in college was I was obliged to take a math class. Suddenly, I went from goof-off asshole hanging out the cool kids saying stupid things like "I won't need math in life!", to relying on it, ironically, to get me though the Bovine University social system. In other words, I had to learn how to learn and study. Fast.

So what was my plan? Hunk down, roll up the sleeves and get it done? Nah. I did what anyone in hole would do. Dig it deeper.

I realized the guy next to me - Jay - had a knack for math. He was a Chinese exchange student who, if I remember the story right, was misplaced in the cheap math class I was in. He was so smart, the teacher was bringing in physics and complex mathematics books for him to read and keep his skills sharp. To compound my stress, the way the professor functioned was she gave a test once a week for ten weeks. You're cumulative score was your grade. So if you got 8/10 each time you ended up with 80%. It was simple and smart.

On the first test, Jay, I guess being too nice and naive if not in need of a "friend" he motioned to me to feel free to copy his work. Being weak as I was, I complied willingly. Ten tests later, I'm lavished with an 87%. One of the tests were pretty funny. I was lazy but not stupid. He would condense a solution that had a 10 step answer into, like, two. I had to tell him the teacher wasn't going to buy I came up with the same answer. What does he do? He tailors me an answer!

It was jolly. But I knew there was a potential danger. The final exam. I couldn't tell the difference between Cos and Tan from Costan or Tango & Cash.

On that day, the plan was simple. Sit behind him. All was going according to plan until some Indian chick cut in front of me and took the seat. I never cursed such vulgarities in my head until that point in my life - or since. I tried my telepathic Aquaman powers to get her to move but to no avail. I was stuck and my fraudulent escapade (I don't think I ever used the word escapade on this blog until now) was over. I sat on a diagonal to Jay but I was screwed. I left after the mandatory stay period of 15 minutes.

Kicking the snow as I left the school I realized I was in serious trouble. I don't remember much after that except my mother got involved and managed to get me a rewrite. "Isn't it great! The teacher was so nice. She was confused as to what happened!" "All I could do is muster a grin. I didn't know what to do for I knew I was going to fail again.

I had no choice but to appeal to another familial figure. My sister, eight years my senior. I was may 17 or 18 at the time. I explained the entire story to her and her boyfriend (now my fricken brother-in-law)as they laughed at my expense. All I know after that is I found myself in prep school where the classes were limited to 10 or less students.

It helped enormously. It's there I discovered I could write and think critically. I presented essays well enough to be told to explore a career in writing and even history.

Of course, I was still who I was and ignored it.

Now I blog.

I do wonder what ever happened to Jay.

Fin.

Critical Thinking On The Run

I'm no genius but I kinda noticed it too. Critical thinking isn't exactly the focus in modern education.

Questions

Who would win on Dealiest Warrior: The Russian Spetsnaz  or a drunk hockey player from Saskatchewan?

Who would win in chess: Garry Kasparov or Bugs Bunny?

Ron Paul Comes In Third In Iowa

American politics is so interesting. I wish here in Canada there would be a 'Ron Paul' type option that veers off the mainstream horses. Quebec has been experiencing with different parties (ADQ and the recent party started by Normand Legault) but you don't have too much choice the way parliamentary politics is set up, the personality is submissive to the party. In the USA, you get your Ralph Nader's and Ron Paul's.

Canada has two and a half parties (Conservative, Liberal and NDP) with a few others gaining official party status every election cycle including the Libertarian party. If you think libertarian principles are a tough sell in the USA, imagine Canada!

What I would like to see is an "independent" option. In the U.S., registered independents float (or at least can if they want to) between parties and individual candidates. I like that.

***

I see that Paul came in third in the Iowa caucus vote. While it's no surprise Romney won, it was interesting that Rick Santorum pushed by Gingrich and Bachmann. None of these candidates inspire much. As for Romney, I don't see why being a Mormon would irritate anyone. I've met a few in my life. I even worked with a Mormon. Incredibly nice people. No matter how high strung and vulgar we got, she always remained poised, soft spoken and polite. But that be best as another story for another time.

Ron Paul's showing is impressive in that he helped purged the party of running Gingrich and Bachmann; neither of whom were serious threats to Barack Obama. I damn well keep moving forward if I were him.

Realistically, it's Mitt Romney at this point if the GOP wants a shot at the title.

Ideally, I would love seeing Ron Paul shake the foundation of contemporary American politics.

Bush, Obama, Romney. Bushobamney! Would there really be a difference?

Classic Movie Clip

As you by now, I do like old classic movies so. This is clip holds the final scene in Come September starring Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida, and co-starring Sandra Dee and the great Bobby Darin.

Lollobrigida's kiss and wink at the end is one for the ages. Hot.

Politics Defined

Click on image to read.

Pass The Joint

The only problem with this Pink Floyd masterpiece is that, well, it comes to an end.

Tuesday Night Music Special

47 million views for Led Zeppelin isn't surprising.

Damn. It's still a greatsong from one of the all-time great bands.



The soft and sensual but intense sound of Fleetwood Mac led by Stevie Nicks is wicked good.

Bomb Iran War Drums Illogical

The problem with American foreign policy at the moment is it's interventionist and predicated on the preemptive philosophy in the interest of national securtiy. This keeps them in perpetual fear of certain enemies.

It's a messy thing this outlook. Someone just may cry wolf.

I'm not sure Iran is one of them. As I've said for years, bombing Iran is insane. It's irrational. Illogical. From what I read, Iran is promoting its own "law of continuity" by remaining on the cusp of internal revolution. Why not - under cover or otherwise - help it along? Wouldn't this serve Western and American interest better if it could lead to the desired democratic design?

Super Councils Doomed To Fail

Though I'm no enemy of business (surprise), you can count me in as one of those who feels setting up councils with successful people as theater.

It's so faulty a premise it's no surprise it fails.

Basically, it's a typical top-bottom approach. CEO's are smart guys (for the most part) but it doesn't mean they have answers to what grips an organisim known as "the economy."

Strange Memories

Our memory and how it functions can be strange. Ever wonder why certain non-eventful moments and images from our past stay lodged deep within our minds popping up from time to time?

Forsample.

When I was in grade school, I watched an intramural basketball game among the girls. I remember watching it on stage but I don't remember whether it was during school hours or not or other relevant details. I just remember three people starring in this sorry act: Myself, the gym teacher (Rollie) acting as referee and a girl (Mirella).

Mirella was constantly appealing to Rollie to call a foul until he finally retorted in a French-Canadian accent, "are you made of chocolate?"

That's it. That's the story. A fricken footnote in my life forever surfacing into focus from time to time. I don't know why. Maybe it traumatized me hearing an adult speak in such a manner. Who knows?

Maybe that's why I hate clowns?

Surf's Up!

Dick Dale is considered to be the father of surf guitar rock.

Playing surf music in the desert. Classic.



Awesome:

Fleas On Earth

Whenever I see all those people with their funny looking "green" grocery bags, I can only think about how pitiful and utterly arrogant we are as a species.

While we're so busy acting on green issues out of fear, we forget Earth has a billion years head start on us. Our panic has created an entire cottage industry filled with snake-oil slickster-environmental Cassandra's capitalizing ("good" capitalism I reckon) on fear of earth's demise.

On a slightly different rant, what about endangered protected species (those we know are not caused by man) list? Before all this hysteria, I seem to recall learning that exctinction is a normal, natural process. All part of nature's (and maybe devine) plan. Earth knows how to wipe its own ass.

Why can't we just let nature run its course?

I didn't realize George Carlin could make it humorous - in a sad way.

I'm with Carlin. The earth ain't going anywhere. If anyone is going anwhere it's us and our narcissistic, parochial mindset straight to nowhere. It's good that man has found ways to work around nature but woe to those who believe we can permanently alter it negatively or not.

First Quote Of 2012

“I don't want to run your life, I don't know how to run your life, and the Constitution doesn't give me the authority to run your life.”

Ron Paul.

Hubba, hubba.

New Year Music

As if the creative power and impact of Paul McCartney and John Lennon weren't enough for any band let alone Da Beatles. The group also had George Harrison - who slowly began to gain recognition for his talent -  adding yet another layer of musical magnificence.

But wait.

There was still more.

In the name of Ringo Starr who had a style onto his own offering yet more to what was and is the greatest band in the history of rock and roll. Humorous, surreal, flippant with sweet, simple, almost childlike melodies and harmonies, Starr's style seems to keep some magical innocence that may still lurks within the band's inner musical journey constantly in a state of evolution.

An Act Of Police Depravity

I'm posting this because it makes no sense cops lose sense this easily. It should NEVER be tolerated.

Ever.

When I saw this picture of what Fullerton, CA police did to Kelly Thomas my mouth dropped. What the hell were those animals thinking? Explain to me the differnce between criminal thuggery and law enforcement after crap like this?

Let me rephrase the scenario. It says cars were being vanadlized. If my car was damaged would I want the police, said to be acting on my behalf since they're meant to serve and protect, to respond by murdering someone? Of course not.

And make no mistake. This not only a cowardly act. It was murder.

Handguns And Children

Hey, I'm on one of those short-posts frenzies NSK at SE loves so much! Like a 'gator on a feeding frenzy!

Red Herring Alert

Hm.
I don't think "universal health care" is solely to blame for Europe's financial woes. It's a part of it, sure, but not the main point; especially most systems in Europe are mixed and not uniform.

On Bullying

From Le Quebecois libre:

"State social and welfare policies have undermined the traditional family as well as the influence of religious institutions. During an earlier time, religious institutions ran charities and social assistance programs that were funded by voluntary donations. The spiritual and emotional guidance that was once part of children’s lives is long gone, replaced by programs in state schools that are devoid of any such guidance.

While state officials may claim to be addressing the school-bullying problem through tougher rules, they may be reluctant to admit that the bullying problem is the long-term result of successive state policies. Until governments overcome their reluctance to repeal the numerous regulations and laws that have directly and indirectly contributed to the problem, parents may wish to consider the home-schooling option out of concern for the safety of their children."

I've been lamenting the first part for years. We've offloaded our sense of dignity and personal responsibility to the state. The second part leaves me uncomfortable because it seems to absolve the parent's responsibility and sense of accountability.

Happy Prosperous 2012

Before I forget, let me get it out of the way.

Love,

The Splendid Commentator

Afternoon Saturday Music

In some way infinite but definite way, perhaps, we're all institutinalized.

Do Something

Jeb Bush in the Wall Street Journal.

"...Increasingly, we have let our elected officials abridge our own economic freedoms through the annual passage of thousands of laws and their associated regulations. We see human tragedy and we demand a regulation to prevent it. We see a criminal fraud and we demand more laws. We see an industry dying and we demand it be saved. Each time, we demand "Do something . . . anything."

As Florida's governor for eight years, I was asked to "do something" almost every day. Many times I resisted through vetoes but many times I succumbed. And I wasn't alone. Mayors, county chairs, governors and presidents never think their laws will harm the free market. But cumulatively, they do, and we have now imperiled the right to rise.

Woe to the elected leader who fails to deliver a multi-point plan for economic success, driven by specific government action. "Trust in the dynamism of the market" is not a phrase in today's political lexicon.

Have we lost faith in the free-market system of entrepreneurial capitalism? Are we no longer willing to place our trust in the creative chaos unleashed by millions of people pursuing their own best economic interests?"

Interesting comments as well.

Question

In action movies, why are the keys to a car or truck always in the ignition?

Anthony Bourdain's Montreal's Layover

Let's just say what Bourdain did in this video I did multiple times for a period of about 10 years. It also reminded me of my few trips to Paris to visit my cousins in the restaurant business. My education in all things Parisian was getting hammered, riding on motorcycles going from restaurant to restaurant (drinking and eating along)  until we ended up in a market buying fish at 5am with the owners of a Chinese restaurant.

There's something magically queer when the Calabrese are hanging out with the Chinese in the middle of the night choosing between Atlantic or Pacific salmon in the center of Paris.

Montreal is pretty cool for the sort of stuff Bourdain is doing in the clip. Lux was also an eatery (now closed) that never closed. And God bless him for exposing the insipid law against street food vendors.

***

The French guys Bourdain palled around with in the back of pick up also reminded me of the sort of guys who used to show up at the outdoor rink to play hockey. Classic French-Canadian stuff. They play hard and party harder. One guy I'll never forget looked like something right out of an obscure comic book. Frizzed hair, tight old GW jeans, and a cheap fitted leather jacket he could skate like the wind but didn't have much control of his speed as he constantly crashed into the boards. We would just laugh and nod saying, "that guy is fucking nuts. St'un malade!"

Classic Premises Aren't Old And Stale

In attacking or arguing against "less government and taxes" a popular phrase is "these are old and outdated ideas!"

Really?

How can they be if both have been steadily increasing over time?

Moreover, how can something fundamentally basic as keeping government in check and taxes at reasonable levels ever be "outdated?" It's the essence of political discourse. It's a classic.

Like a cheeseburger.

They just...are.

More Ron Paul Ads

Dr. Paul's ads are actually entertaining. Know what else? They're not those typical and terrible attack ads.

Ron Paul Ad Inspires

Imagine? We already saw it. It's called Red Dawn.

Wolverines!

This is possibly the greatest political ad I've ever seen. How can one (mostly conservatives) argue otherwise?

Powerful. Lucid. American.

And it comes by way of Ron Paul.

The quip about Rome is spot on.

Merci beaucoup Monsieur Skeptical Eye. Un croissant pour vous!



If there's one thing I've changed my stance on when it comes to the military is that forced involvement to protect our interests is plain, bad policy. There is no bigger picture with it. The bigger picture is exactly how Ron Paul sees it. Only then will America,  the most important civilization of our times, the one nation all peoples across the world once looked to for inspiration, regain its status as a "beacon of light" defending the ideals of natural rights, freedom and prosperity for all.

Until then, they're just pretenders moving along waiting for King Arthur to reinvigorate its original purpose and sense of dignity.

I don't mind waiting.

Question

It is telling that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution hasn't really been challenged - scientifically speaking - since he published his thoughts way back in the mid-19th century. His work shook the foundation of philosophical and scientific thought to which we're likely still digesting. Not like psychology, which has been subjected to all kinds of revisionism and afterthoughts over the years.

The only sphere, as far as I can tell, where natural selection is being challenged is in politics. The contemporary (mostly left-wing) political narrative seems to have settled on the notion that "Darwinian capitalism" prevails in our lives. As if Charlie invented natural selection. Recall, he empirically examined what he observed.

If natural selection exists among men, the so-called "surivival of the fittest" (which was not coined by Darwin), there's little man can do about it but stand by and watch the strong survive - genetically speaking of course.

The current weapon at his disposal - to "equalize" things - is impose various state laws and legislation helping to protect (not improve) the "weak" who have no chance at surviving. Which don't want to believe nature discriminates. I say current because we've only begun to mess around with DNA and genetics.

"Well, the rich are exploiting the poor ergo we must...blah, blah."

So the narrative goes.

Darwin explains that when it comes to mankind selection (where man carefully selects what to breed between animals plants etc.) is no match for natural selection. Nature wins. I don't even think there's a spread to gamble on either. The margin between the mysterious power of nature (propelled by God) is no match for mighty mice like man.

If this be true, then, is man kidding himself with fabricated political laws in an effort to thwart natural selection? If accepted, then, are we not actually weakening mankind?

In short is employing political answers to natural questions futile?

***

Yes. Man has come up with engineering, and scientific feats to contain nature but we succeed most where we observe and work with nature to arrive at new answers to various questions - and truths.

***

Ironically, the publication of On the Origin of Species was a product of the "survival of the fittest." By the time Darwin was set to publish his theory, some 20 years after first conceived, Alfred Russel Wallace was about to do the same since he too had come up with a theory of evolution on his own. Darwin wrote to him of this coincidence and Wallace graciously stepped aside.

The rest is history. Darwin is a household name while the only Wallace a mildly interested person would recognize is William from Braveheart.

Alexander Graham Bell, in another example, simply beat Elisha Gray to the patent punch.

History is littered with near "winners."

In fact, we see this every single day.

The Olympics, so revered by a chunk of humanity, is but a Charles Darwin experiment in a sports setting. The difference between, often, a gold and silver medal is mere milliseconds in, say, track and field.

The gold winner triumphs and much he or she inherits in praise often converted into money through endorsement, book deals, public speaking etc.

Chew Slowly Fatso

A couple of years back I posted something about how it's a matter of time before the government actively involves itself on matters of private diet.

It's already upon us in the form of various taxes (sugar), controlling of how much salt restaurants, forcing McDonald's to change part of its menu (etc., we all have seen the reports over the years) can use and now this: A $1500 (British pounds) machine courtesy of the British NHS that helps fat people control their obesity.

I don't mind that people like Michelle Obama goes on tour fighting a health concern of her choice -in this case obesity. It's the role some First Ladies have taken. But by golly gee mee, the second it becomes coerced action, it loses its value since it means taking more personal liberties away.

Quote From von Mises

von Mises:

"Today the tenets of this nineteenth-century philosophy of liberalism are almost forgotten. In continental Europe it is remembered only by a few. In England the term "liberal" is mostly used to signify a program that only in details differs from the totalitarianism of the socialists.

In the United States "liberal" means today a set of ideas and political postulates that in every regard are the opposite of all that liberalism meant to the preceding generations. The American self-styled liberal aims at government omnipotence, is a resolute foe of free enterprise, and advocates all-round planning by the authorities, i.e., socialism. These "liberals" are anxious to emphasize that they disapprove of the Russian dictator's policies not on account of their socialistic or communistic character but merely on account of their imperialistic tendencies.

Every measure aiming at confiscating some of the assets of those who own more than the average or at restricting the rights of the owners of property is considered as liberal and progressive. Practically unlimited discretionary power is vested in government agencies the decisions of which are exempt from judicial review. The few upright citizens who dare to criticize this trend toward administrative despotism are branded as extremists, reactionaries, economic royalists, and Fascists. It is suggested that a free country ought not to tolerate political activities on the part of such "public enemies."

Agree or disagree?

More Irrational Government Coercion

I don't get this at all. Classic case of state over reach in the private consumer/owner relationship. Why is the state sticking its nose in the affairs of private citizens?

A restuarant owner is forced by the city to stop serving food with topless waitresses.

Zoning laws? Pft.

Call it what it is: Tyranny.

***

This is an example of how the government inefficiently "manages" an economy and imposes its will and coercion when it's not necessary. In this case, this will hurt the business owner and his bottom line thus impacting his employees. Less money, less to spend, less to grow. Think about this across the board.

Oh.

Sales taxes are going up. So is the cost for health care and insurance premiums. All things we have no say in. It will add up to a few hundred dollars less in our pockets. 

It's part of the government's plan to "balance the budget" by 2015.

I always wondered how an entity like the government could permit itself to be in debt in the first place.

Greatest Band Ever Reason #565 477

Missed this one.

The Greatest Band Ever Reason #565 476

What do you get when you combine an orchestra and choir with The Beatles?

Peace. Tranquility. Beauty.

Learn Something

What is Prostration?

Best Banker Ever!

From The Renegade Economist:

Sweden In The 20th Century

Brief synopsis of Sweden in the 20th century.

By all appearances, it looks like a paradise, but it's well known even Sweden, an iconic image for the welfare state, is in economic difficulty. It will be interesting to see how they navigate through this.

I mean, they did leverage Norway (I'm sure Norwegians are pleased that Sweden permitted the Germans to use their railroads into Norway), Denmark and Finland well to their advantage against Nazi Germany coming out of the war in a relative good shape.

Was this survival of the fittest at work?

***

Growth rates in Sweden seem to be in a better state than the core European Union members. The projected GDP for Germany, UK, France and Italy are frighteningly low.

The USA remains solid with only India and China outpacing it; which is normal since they are so far behind.

***

From the link provided:

-Spain's unemployment rate is at 20%.

- Japan's inflation rate remains at 0%. Incredible. What is it, 20 years now? And we were supposed to all learn Japanese!

-I know Canada isn't experiencing the same problems as the U.S., but the unemployment figures are not that far apart. Canada is pretty much in line with what it always seems to be fixed at about 7%. The USA at 8.9% (the number is much higher by other measure) but I remember it at as low as 4% just 12-15 years ago.

-Speaking of Canada, Montreal in particular. I had a couple of hours to kill as I dropped off the gals at the theater. Maybe it was the weather, but I was left depressed witnessing the countless for rent and sale signs I saw in shop windows. I used to hang out in that area but a mere 20 years ago and I don't recall this hip area being so desolate. It was rocking all the time. Now, the only vibe I felt was the slow bite of the economy sucking the life out of small business.

The only ones that remained familiar to me were the corporate coffee shops, ethnic bakeries, and restaurants opened early in the last part of the 20th century. Those places can withstand an economic downturn (and high rent) because they probably have the cash strength to do so and likely own the property in which they operate. Everyone else didn't or don't seem to be lucky. Trendy clothing boutiques and small restaurants especially. Sure, new places came in but not enough to shake the idea that we're in a weak economic environment.

Possible Movie Plots

Sherlock Holmes Meets - or solves - Jack the Ripper.

My 'Ism'

I just realized something. I need a good "ism" to attach itself to this blog.

What to be?

Hm.

How about post-primitve constructionism?

ACL Injury Claims Another

ACL report.

Adrian Peterson is the latest athlete to tear his ACL.

As some of you know, I keep an eye out for this. One thing I know, it's very hard to get back to 100% after such a serious surgery. If you're a pocket QB like Brady, then you can resume your career as it was, but for a running back depending on all sorts of lateral movement it's a far different story.

They're hopeful he'll be back by Week 1 in 2012. Man, that's optimistic. It takes one year for the ACL to heal properly no matter the procedure or person. It doesn't discriminate. I don't know why cases of people getting back to play inside 10 months seems to be creeping up. I wouldn't do it. Andrei Markov came back after nine months. He reinjured his knee last year and hasn't been seen since.

And like the Vikings, the Canadiens inexplicably gave him a contract extension.

I know it's bad what I'm about to say but ACL tears are near-career ending.

The psychology behind suffering such an injury can't be under estimated.

***

If I'm a Philadelphia Eagles fan (and I am), I'd be rather pissed about how the year went down. The Eagles won't be in the playoffs after much promise going into the season. Things like that happen but when you consider the Eagles are 4-1 within the division with a +/- differential superior to the Cowboys and Giants -  who will battle for the NFC east division - it's a hard one to swallow.

They just didn't get it done.

Up, Up And Away!

Wouldn't he - that being Rock Hudson - have been a good choice to be Superman in a movie?
Count me in as one of those people who enjoys those Doris Day-Rock Hudson comedies of the 1960s.

Germany And The EU

Country of the year?

There is none but, to those of us who have some grasp of European history, Germany is a good choice because they stand in the middle of the great (non-democratic) European experiment that may or may not fall to pieces. Recall, that Europeans have been dreaming of a united Europe since the fall of Rome. It's why Charlemagne created the Holy Roman Empire.

Betraying Jesus

More Caravaggio.

The Taking of Christ. (1598)

Notice Peter screaming on the left with Judas embracing Jesus as the Roman soldiers move in to take Christ away.

Outrageous Statements

I can't make any "stupidest" statement of the year, or "person" of the year or any other list because I don't keep track what goes on. I just post and run.

So I'll go with the last thing I've heard. It really encapsulates how logical fallacies run rampant with pundits.

Congratulations Lawrence O'Donnell (who seems equally as angry as right-wing radio personalities). You've made the grade. To make The Commentator is bigger than Time.

In his attempt to answer back to the assertion by politicians "government can't create jobs" he chimes in with this:

“The government created your job!”

Goodie Lordie.

I respect the intelligence of my readers so I won't dig deeper.

I'll leave it up to you to comment and even offer any that are worse - which I'm sure there are.

Arab Spring

About that Arab street.

It's interesting that for years and years - even in high school in the 1980s - we kept hearing about the "Arab street" yet all we saw were people waving their fists in town squares amounting to nothing except to be the butt end of our Western jokes. We were conditioned to believe it was all because of the Jooooos!

Fast forward to the Arab spring of 2011. It was all about toppling their own regimes. This is not to say the fear of Israel is not there, or the same old boss will take over or that a blanket of extreme Islam won't take over, but the bottom line is the Arab people did what many observers felt needed to be done first: Look in the mirror and clean up your own mess first.

It's a start.

Eat Meat With Punk

I know it's Christmas and all but I'm bored so I'm going to post a couple.

The Simpsons:

Don't eat meat! Eat deer!



Punk band The Plasmatics and Wendy O Williams. Odd interview with Snyder follows. You can tell punk was freaking people out. Still, you don't see too many interviews like that on prime time these days:

Christ In Caravaggio

Caravaggio's Christ at the column (1607).

Speaking of Christ, this painting reminded me of when I first saw Michelangelo's fresco at the Sistene Chapel. As you walked in you had a sense you were about to witness something magical and as you looked up towards the sky (or God), its magnificence overwhelms you; its beauty strikes your eyes like an angel entering your soul.

Baby Jesus

From Fine Art America.

Journey To Christmas Music Archives

Here's a link to a fantastic wealth of historical Christmas albums.

Christmas And Hookers

Tom Waits is just plain awesome.

Daycare Update

My payroll taxes equal one month's salary of a potential person I can hire.

I don't care it's tax deductible at the end of the year. I prefer to have it up front to grow and expand quicker. 

Fin.

Brief History Of Currency

Paper currency first made an appearance in China and then Sweden in the West.

"Western civilization had minted precious metal objects and coins for trade since about 500 BC. Devaluation and inflation often destroyed a monetary system. Banking systems were cyclic with nations and rulers, and the need to transfer large sums of money to finance the Crusades provided a stimulus to the re-emergence of banking in western Europe. In Europe, the first issuer of paper money was Sweden, where in 1661 Johan Palmstruch's Stockholm Banco introduced the first banknotes. Unfortunately, the bank subsequently overextended itself and had to call in government aid. Despite this example, other European countries soon followed the Swedish lead. In 1694 the Bank of England was established and was soon printing "running cash notes".

They just didn't call it a bail out.

Plus ca change...

Money Is What I Want

Money isn't the root of all evil.

Humans are.

Money is just a conductor for our capacity to permit evil to conquer.

It's something I always believed. Only this time, I cared enough to set out and trace back who originally said it.

Here's the quote in proper context:

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10 - King James Bible.

Money itself can't be evil. It's just paper with a number on it and an assigned arbitrary value.

Desire for it can wreak havoc on our souls.

***

By extension, I guess, we can say government as a stand-alone construct isn't bad. It's an empty shell. What we fill it with will determine if it's good or bad. Much like an RRSP. A retirement plan is just a hollow tax-sheltered plan injected with money. How and where you invest the money will determine the rate of return.

Christmas With Calvin And Hobbes

Nice tribute to Bill Watterson's Calvin & Hobbes. Calvin's snowmen creations were priceless.

Reading History Masterpieces One At A Time

I'm reading Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species - among the most influential books in history - and a thought occured to me.

It's interesting we, students at some point, were rarely - if ever - asked to read landmark books. Novels remained a part of the curriculum (Shakespeare, Twain, Poe etc.) but not master works by, say, Aristotle, Bacon, Dante, Weber, Descartes and a host of other great political, philosophical and historical works. Most of our knowledge of reputed works of the written thought comes in contact by way of second-hand information or secondary (and sometimes tertiary) sources.

Even in university I was never asked to read masterpieces of any sort. What I learned was explained in a text book explained by a scholar. In other words, I wasn't reading it for myself to form a true, independent opinion.

One by one, I've decided, to read books that I feel I should read as a pretend-pseudo-amateur historian.

Meh.

It's a tad tedious reading through such books anyway. Is there a movie condensing all the great books in two hours?

Habs Fall From Grace

What's left to be said about the once glorious Montreal Canadiens? It's a mickey mouse operation with no vision operating in a parochial environment.

I believe, or at least I want to believe, the average Quebecer understands it's no longer (exclusively anyway) about language but about knowledge and other intellectual assets these days. No one is saying you shouldn't speak - or learn - the language of a said market but we're saying is it shouldn't come at the expense of seeking excellence. After all, a language can be learned.

***

So now "they" (les autres as I call them) want to boycott Molson's for hving the audicity to hire a unilingual human being - without even given the guy a chance to A) prove his mettle and B) to learn the language. The ONE family, moreover, who reacquired the team when no "chez nous" businessmen wouldn't.

And who have been the "cause and solution of all man's problems" (as quoted by Homer) by providing many a drunk Canadian with intoxicating liquid moments.

***

I completely reject the "how would Torontonians react if the Maple Leafs hired a non-English speaking coach?" It's a presumptuous logical fallacy.

I don't know how Ontarians would react but I can almost guarantee they would not react like (mostly nationalist) Quebecers. There are reasons for this assumption. For example, Toronto doesn't have language baggage. If a coach came in speaking only Czech and took the Leafs to the Cup, I doubt it would be much of an issue. In ths way, Toronto fans would be closer in line with international soccer where foreign coaches are hired by native clubs and national teams constantly in a fluid maret where ideas are consistently exchanged.

Italians, German, French, and Dutch coaches are famous for imparting their know-how in coaching other nations including Korea, Greece and Russia - to name a precious few. The same for Argentina and Brazil. Currently, a pair of Italians are coaching England and Ireland. The point is clubs go after ASSETS and the best possible talent. Language fixes itself later.

Big clubs like AC Milan go as far as to help one of their "assets" integrate into Italian society by providing Italian courses - among other things. Their philosophy is simple: Italy is unique and in order to maximize the potential talent of an asset you should take care of it.

I see none of this with the Montreal Canadiens. For a team in a society that claims to be distinct, I'm surprised it hasn't been proactive in nursing its talent better to accept and understand Quebec society.

Rather, it's busy wasting its time trying to avoid conflict with an over-inflated media. It's called poor management of resources.

The Habs should always be ahead of the curve in identifying and  developing talent - especially given they already know what is asked of it when it comes to coaching. If you're operating in a restricted talent pool because of the politics (and quite frankly, I don't see why it should), then you'd better make damn sure you have a fluid list of candidates close to your chest. As for the players, it should have hit someone in the organization by now that something is off when the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers - two main arch rivals in your conference - consistently do a better job of drafting French-Canadian players. At least, that's my perception.

Instead, you get the fricken Keystone cops.

The Canadiens, in one last soccer analogy, function less like the Packers, Yankees, Ferrari etc.(brand names they should be associated with), and more like another once proud institution, Liverpool of the EPL. If you follow soccer you know what I mean. Comedy of errors are the norm for both.

In this construct I've described, Toronto would be the norm and Montreal the exception when it comes to accepting talent. Particularly, it should be mentioned, with hockey. The Habs are identified as a part of "Quebecois" culture (even though the Anglo-Irish fact runs deep can't be disputed or discounted) which makes things more complicated.

Indeed, you don't (or didn't) see this issue with the Alouettes, Impact and once upon a time Expos. It's as if the Canadiens exist vicariously through an entire population.

It's not an easy situation (not made any easier by interfering and thoughtless politicians serving to prey on the language divide) and all I can do is wish Randy Cunneyworth good luck because he certainly doesn't deserve the infantile criticism he's getting.

Again, I blame the organization for poorly handling this.

***

Current Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is among the greatest and most successful managers in the history of soccer.

In this clip, culture and assets comfortably live side by side. There's no reason why this can't be the case in Quebec.

I include Ireland as a legitimate dark horse to go deep at Euro 2012.

Charting American Airstrikes

U.S. airstrikes in Pakistan on various charts.

Having Fun With Christmas Songs For Africa Lyrics

Ok.

After 20 odd plus years, I actually paid attention to the lyrics of some of these 'Save Africa' songs from the 1980s by recording artists from the UK, USA and Canada.

First up, the United Kingdom. Band-Aid (which always made be think of plasters) banded and bonded together to release the greatest selling single (I believe) in UK history - Do They Know It's Christmas?

Already the title wreaks of 'white man's burden' guilt.

It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
At christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade  

As opposed to the rest of the time we only accept darkness and the apocalypse.

But say a prayer - pray for the other ones
At christmas time

Again, just at christmas. Not Easter, Halloween etc.

it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window  

Ah, thus begins the guilt ride. No, shit. Really? A whole wide world?

And it's a world of dreaded fear
Where the only water flowing is a bitter sting of tears
And the christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom  

Nice collection of metaphorical words. I like. Sounds like something ride out of Lord of the Rings.

Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you  

Fucken-A. That's what I always say.

And there won't be snow in Africa this christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life   Where nothing ever grows
No rain or rivers flow

Ok. Technically this is all wrong.  Nothing grows in Africa? Really? I thought bananas, coconuts, pineapples, coffee and dates are grown there. Rain forests don't count?  I betcha lots of crap grow in the jungle too. And really, no rivers flow? What, over 4300 miles of the Nile is not enough? You want lakes I'll give you lakes! Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in Africa. Never mind about Victoria Falls.

Sounds to me like Africa has a major corruption and distribution issue.

Here's to you
Raise your glass for everyone
Here's to them
Underneath that burning sun  

Because this will eliminate starvation and solve the problem. Take that! And that! You stupid poverty.


Make sure you eat your sandwich for there are starving kids in Africa. Not South America or even possibly in your own city!

Feed the world
Let them know it's christmas time and
Feed the world  

"Here's some beef jerky and remember, it's Christmas." I always imagine a giant person with a spoon feeding every child on earth with that line.

In honesty, I really don't think they give a shit it's christmas time in North Africa. Being mostly Muslim and all that. It's a small technicality I realize but still...


Next up. The Americans. "We are the world."


Actually, the lyrics aren't that bad. I think "we are the world" means we literally are the world. Not a reference to the Americans being the world - though it could mean that. I don't want to get into a "Born in the U.S.A." type of misinterpretation here.


Finally, Canada. "Tears are not enough." Which in true Canadian fashion, was released under the USA album.

First, let me get my vomit bucket.

Seems like overnight
We see the world in a different light
Somehow our innocence is lost

Curious, how did we "somehow" lose our "innocence?"

How can we look away

Easy. There I just did it.

cause every single day
We've got to help at any cost

Every single day? I can barely get my own shit in order. Gee, I don't know, that seems like a lot of pressure.

We can bridge the distance
Only we can make the difference
Dont ya know that tears are not enough

I think if you get all the bestest engineers in the world - with some alien help -  you can build that bridge somehow.


Only we can make a difference? What about Africa itself? I think they can have a more meaningful impact on themselves but that's just me and my callous, antiquated conservative posturing.
I would like to add no children were fed during the writing of this post.

Tribute To Kim Jong-Il

I'll chime in with my thoughts on the joke known as the Montreal Canadiens later.

Question

Do libertarians hate superheroes?

I mean, most fall on the side of the law and take part in government operations in the name of freedom.

Are they interventionist vigilantes or libertine mercenaries? Something else?

Vaclev Havel Dies

One of the more interesting political figures of our times.

Lounge World Music

Sounds like something right out of the 1960s. But it's, I believe, the work of Alex Gimeno.

Some of you may recognize this song from the latest Grand Marnier commercial.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon Music

...with George Harrison...

Tough Times For India

Economically, India is experiencing some turbulence.

Wheat Board Scrapped

Harper's piece de resistance: Eliminating the wheat board.

"The Canadian Wheat Board was created in 1935 as a voluntary marketing agency for prairie wheat. In 1943, what is referred to as the "single-desk" was created, essentially a monopoly that meant all western farmers had to market their wheat through the board."

It had its time.

Ron Paul Good For America's Political Scene?

...or its soul?



I think it's great how Ron Paul is pushing the GOP. He looks poised to challenge if not win Iowa.

All I can say is, go Ron Paul!

Look, the arguments used against Paul is premised on the fact people don't understand libertarian principles. It's not that hard to grasp.

Sure, there are some "spooky" things he advocates; like legalizing marijuana and reducing the government by 80% (which I believe most givernment departments shouldn't have been in operation in the first place), and basically eliminating the concept of Manifest Destiny. Then there's the issue of that infamous (awful) " news letter." Ok. He has baggage.Who doesn't in politics?

Still.

He's exactly what this country needs. A kick in the ass.

Britain Keeps EU At Bay

Is/was Great Britain right all along to not fully join the European Union?

Gingrich Caricature

Newt as Marvin the Martian? "Where's the ka-boom? There was supposed to be an earth shattering ka-boom?"

Iraq's Future

Now with the Americans out of Iraq, will it descend into madness and chaos similar to what happened in Vietnam?

Dealing With The Devil

Faustian bargain. Picture says a lot, no?

No Hubris Here

Yes, President Obama has given much to intellectual political philosophy.

*Rolls eyes.*

Love how he measures himself through the amount of policies he created.

Props to Skeptical Eye.

Canadiens Make Bold Move

The Montreal Canadiens did the 'unthinkable' and hired the unilingual anglo Randy Cunneyworth to replace head coach Jacques Martin.

I like the move because it finally gives me a reason to post this scene from Semi-Pro starring Will Ferrel (funniest man alive):



I dedicate this to all the hard core nationalists out there freaking out.

Milbury Charged With Assault Of A Minor

Wasn't a fan of Mike Milbury as a player (he was a Bruin after all), General manager (absolutely awful with the Islanders), or commentator/analyst (on CBC and NBC). Now this. Not good.

A bit lame.